Baseball
RWJBarnabas steps up to the plate to support Last Dance Baseball Tournament
RWJBarnabas has been named the presenting sponsor for the upcoming Last Dance Baseball Tournament and is helping JSZ bring you extensive coverage of the 222 team event over three weeks in July The 222 team Last Dance World Series baseball tournament is almost here and the support of this amazing event continues to grow. RWJBarnabas is the title sponsor of the three-week winner take all tournament and will enhance JSZ’s coverage presenting Last Dance Top Plays. Following each round of the tournament, the top plays captured by JSZ cameras will be shown on Friday with fans getting the chance to vote for the Top Play through the weekend. The winner will get a JSZ Game Ball and a presentation with the entire team. Here’s the press release to announce RWJBarnabas as the presenting sponsor: RWJBarnabas Health, the largest and most comprehensive academic health care system in New Jersey, has been named the presenting sponsor of the New Jersey “Last Dance” World Series. Created to support high school student-athletes who missed out on the opportunity to compete for their schools during the spring baseball season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Jersey “Last Dance” World Series, presented by RWJBarnabas Health, will kick off with pool play July 14-16 at nearly 60 sites across the state. Barry H. Ostrowsky, RWJBarnabas Health president and CEO. (Photo: ~Courtesy of Thomas/Boyd Communications) “We applaud the organizers for creating this special event to showcase the talented student-athletes that missed out on so much this year,” said Barry H. Ostrowsky, President and Chief Executive Officer, RWJBarnabas Health. “The safety of the players, coaches, umpires, administrators and fans is the top priority, and the event staff has shown us a comprehensive plan to follow the necessary guidelines from the CDC and NJ Health Department.” Among the steps taken to maintain safety, the tournament committee has adopted all protocols and procedures from the state to conduct the event safely. This includes the integration of infrared thermometers for every site and additional PPE to adhere to all safety guidelines. Mike Murray Jr., center, with former St. Joseph baseball stars Matt and Jon Sot. (Photo: ~submitted photo) “We are taking our role very seriously in having rock solid infrastructure and protocols to be an example of youth sports conducted properly to hopefully give us a better understanding of what we’ll need for fall sports,” said Mike Murray, Jr., the athletic director and head baseball coach at St Joseph High School in Metuchen. “We do believe youth sports can be a sanctuary and critical to mental health of those participating and involved.” More than 220 teams from across the state will be competing on behalf of their communities in the tournament, as this event will serve as the final playing opportunity for the Class of 2020, encompassing more than 2,500 players. Several participating players are family members and friends of the 35,000 employees across RWJBarnabas Health, further aligning the health care system with the event. Logo for the New Jersey “Last Dance” World Series, presented by RWJBarnabas Health (Photo: ~submitted) The New Jersey “Last Dance” World Series, presented by RWJBarnabas Health, is broken into 32 eight-team regionals. The 32 regional champions will then compete in a single-elimination tournament at minor league stadiums throughout New Jersey. The event culminates with the championship game at 7 p.m. on July 31 at Arm & Hammer Park in Trenton. Added Mr. Ostrowsky, “RWJBarnabas Health is committed to making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve, and this is an opportunity to reinforce our support for New Jersey student-athletes, in a safe environment.” About RWJBarnabas Health RWJBarnabas Health is the largest, most comprehensive academic health care system in New Jersey, with a service area covering nine counties with five million people. The system includes eleven acute care hospitals – Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, Community Medical Center in Toms River, Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, RWJUH in New Brunswick, RWJUH Somerset in Somerville, RWJUH Hamilton, RWJUH Rahway and Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston; three acute care children’s hospitals and a leading pediatric rehabilitation hospital with a network of outpatient centers, a freestanding 100-bed behavioral health center, two trauma centers, a satellite emergency department, ambulatory care centers, geriatric centers, the state’s largest behavioral health network, comprehensive home care and hospice programs, fitness and wellness centers, retail pharmacy services, a medical group, multi-site imaging centers and an accountable care organization. RWJBarnabas health is the presenting sponsor of the New Jersey “Last Dance” World Series (Photo: bhuser) RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest private employer – with more than 35,000 employees, 9,000 physicians and 1,000 residents and interns – and routinely captures national awards for outstanding quality and safety. RWJBarnabas Health in partnership with Rutgers University is creating New Jersey’s largest academic health care system. The collaboration aligns RWJBarnabas Health with Rutgers’ education, research and clinical activities, including those at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey – the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center – and Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.
Check out full schedule for first week of Last Dance Tournament
We’ve got all the matchups and times for the first three days of the 222 team Last Dance Baseball Tournament The times and matchups are set for the 32 regionals in the Last Dance Baseball Tournament which gets started next Tuesday across the state. JSZ will bring you highlights all day and all night over the first three days of the tournament. Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance Baseball Tournament Highlights is being brought to you by Sterling National Bank July 14 Day 1 SOUTH REGION 1A. Brick Regional at Brick American Baseball League GM1: Jackson Jags (Jackson Memorial) vs. Dragons Baseball Club (Brick Township), 4 p.m. GM2: Liberty Lions (Jackson Liberty) vs. Mustangs Baseball Club (Brick Memorial), 7 p.m. 1B. Tri-County Regional at FirstEnergy Park GM1: Monmouth Monarchs (Manalapan) vs. Rville Ravens (Robbinsville), 3 p.m. GM2: Allentown vs. (Monroe) Township, 7 p.m. 2A. Lincroft Regional at Christian Brothers Academy GM1: CBA Colts (Christian Brothers Academy) vs. Prep Baseball (Mater Dei), 3 p.m. GM2: Wall PBA #234 (Wall Township HS) vs. EB Bears (East Brunswick), 5:30 p.m. 2B. Freehold Regional at Hockhockson Park GM1: Columbia Blue (Freehold Township) vs. Middletown North, 10 a.m. GM2: Blue and Gold (Marlboro) vs. Monmouth Dogfish (Freehold Boro), 1 p.m. 3A. Pitman Regional at Alycon Field, Pitman GM1: Sader Baseball Club (Bishop Eustace) vs. Mid-Atlantic Cheetahs (Gloucester County Institute of Technology), 4 p.m. GM1: Audubon vs. Pitman, 7 p.m. 3B. Pitman Regional at Glassboro GM1: Team SISU (Eastern) vs. Bulldogs (Glassboro), 3 p.m. GM2: Vineland Gamecocks vs. Glendora Thunder (Triton), 5:30 p.m. 4. Ocean City Regional at Ocean City High School GM1: Triple Crown Sports (Egg Harbor Township) vs. vs. Mainland, 1 p.m. GM2: Ocean City Raiders vs. Millville Lightning (Millville), 4 p.m. GM3: BPC Spartans (Holy Spirit) vs. Atlantic County Redhawks (Atlantic Tech), 7 p.m. 5A. Metuchen Regional at St. Joseph’s, Metuchen GM1: Sayreville vs. JFK Mustangs (J.F. Kennedy of Iselin), 3 p.m. GM2: Wardlaw Rams (Wardlaw-Hartridge, North Plainfield, Dunellen, Timothy Christian) vs. SJ Falcons (St. Joseph of Metuchen), 5:30 p.m. 5B. Edison Regional at Edison High School GM1: Edison Eagles vs. South River, 11 a.m. GM2: JP Hawks (J.P. Stevens) vs. Carteret Ramblers, 2 p.m. 6A. Red Bank Regional at Count Basie Field, Red Bank GM1: Bucs Baseball (Red Bank) vs. Neptune, 4:30 p.m. GM2: RBC (Red Bank Catholic) vs. Long Branch Green Wave, 7 p.m. 6B. Belmar Regional at St. Rose, Belmar GM1: RBI Baseball (St. John Vianney) vs. Belmar (St. Rose), 2 p.m. GM2: Blue and Grey (Howell) vs. Monmouth Regional Falcons, 5 p.m. 7. Lawrenceville Regional at Trenton Babe Ruth Field GM1: Notre Dame vs. PC Tigers (Princeton), 10 a.m. GM2: East Windsor Rams (Hightstown) vs. Cardinals Baseball (Lawrence), 1 p.m. 8A. Barnegat Regional at Barnegat High School GM1: B Baseball (Barnegat) vs. Southern, 10 a.m. GM2: Point Pleasant Boro vs. Point Beach Gulls (Point Pleasant Beach), 1 p.m. 8B. Bayville Regional at Leiter Field, Bayville GM1: Tuckerton/Little Egg Harbor Baseball (Pinelands) vs. Donovan Catholic, 5 p.m. GM2: TR East Raiders (Toms River East) vs. Central Baseball (Central Regional), 8 p.m. 9A. Washington Regional at Washington Lake Field GM1: GT Highlanders (Highland Regional) vs. MO Town (Moorestown), 10 a.m. GM2: Washington Township vs. Knights (Sterling), 1 p.m. 9B. Delran Regional at Holy Cross High School GM1: Cherry Hill Baseball (Cherry Hill East) vs. Maple Shade Wildcats (Maple Shade), 10 a.m. GM2: Garnets (Haddon Heights) vs. Cross Baseball (Holy Cross), 2 p.m. 10A. Bordentown Regional at Gilder Field GM1: Hamilton Spartans (Steinert) vs. Mercer Stars (Nottingham), 2 p.m. GM2: Dirty Boyz Liedtka Trucking (Hamilton West) vs. Bordentown, 5 p.m. 10B. Trenton Regional at Trenton Babe Ruth GM1: TCA (Trenton Catholic) vs. Big Red Baseball (Lawrenceville), 4 p.m. GM2: The Program (Hun School) vs. Red Raiders (Pennington), 7 p.m. 11. Kingsway Regional at East Greenwich Fields GM1: Harrison Heat (Clearview) vs. Pennsville, 10 a.m. GM2: Dragons Baseball (Kingsway) vs. Salem Rams, 1 p.m. 12. Brooklawn Regional at Gloucester Catholic GM1: Eagle Nation (West Deptford) vs. SJ Spartans (Deptford), noon GM2: Lions Baseball (Gloucester City) vs. Brooklawn (Gloucester Catholic), 3 p.m. 13. Williamstown Regional at Williamstown High School GM1: EHC Pirates (Cedar Creek) vs. Buena Township Chiefs, 4 p.m. GM2: Williamstown vs. Chargers (Timber Creek), 7 p.m. 14A. Bellmawr Regional at Bellmawr Recreation Field 1 GM1: Medford Renegades (Shawnee) vs. Overbrook Rams, noon GM2: Marlton Chiefs (Cherokee) vs. Eagles (Paul VI), 3 p.m. 14B. Burlington Regional at Doane Academy (Westhampton Sports Complex) GM1: Doane Academy vs. Burlington Township, 10 a.m. GM2: Roebling (Florence) vs. NB Warriors (Northern Burlington), 1 p.m. 15A. Wall Township Regional at North Wall Little League GM1: MS Baseball (Middletown South) vs. Jersey Shore Monsters (Shore Regional), 10 a.m. GM2: Cougar Baseball (Colts Neck) vs. Holmdel Hornets, 1 p.m. 15B. Ocean Township Regional at Ocean Township GM1: RFH Bulldogs (Rumson-Fair Haven) vs. Hazlet Renegades (Raritan), 3:30 p.m. GM2: OT Baseball (Ocean Township) vs. Matawan, 7 p.m. 16A. North Brunswick Regional at Community Park, North Brunswick GM1: Vikings (South Brunswick) vs. STA Trojans (St. Thomas Aquinas), 5:45 p.m. GM2: OB Knights (Old Bridge) vs. North Brunswick Township, 8:15 p.m. 16B. North Brunswick Regional at Community Park, North Brunswick GM1: South Plainfield vs. MCVTS (Middlesex Vo-Tech), 5:45 p.m. GM2: Middlesex Blue Jays vs. Spotswood, 8:15 p.m. NORTH REGION 1A. Ramsey Regional at Don Bosco Prep GM1: Rams (Ramsey) vs. Pascack Valley, 3:30 p.m. GM2: Cliffside Park vs. Diamond Backs (Don Bosco), 7:00 p.m. 1B. Lakeland Regional at Bloomingdale DeLazier & Walter T. Bergen GM1: Lakeland Hedgehogs (Lakeland) vs. Warrior Baseball (Waldwick), noon GM2: The Flow (Ramapo) vs. Highlander Hawks (Allendale, Hohokus, Upper Saddle River), Walter T. Bergen, 3 p.m. 2A. Bergen County Regional at Overpeck Park, Leonia GM1: Glen Rock vs. Tenafly, 11 a.m. GM2: BC Crusaders (Bergen Catholic) vs. Bergen Knights (Bergen Tech), 2 p.m. 2B. Bergen County Regional at Kane Field, Secaucus GM1: Bulldogs (Dwight Englewood) vs. Old Tappan, 4 p.m. GM2: Westwood Baseball (Westwood) vs. Dwight Morrow, 7 p.m. 3A. Morris Township Regional at Fleury Field, Morris Township GM1: Montville Mustangs (Montville) vs. DenRock (Morris Knolls), 11 a.m. GM2: Tidal Wave (Delbarton) vs. Morris County Queensmen (Morris Catholic), 2 p.m. 3B. Parsippany Regional at Jannarone Park, Parsippany GM1: Parsippany Red Hawks vs. DiMaggio Baseball (Boonton), 11 a.m. GM2: Parsippany Hills Vikings vs. Mountain Lakes, 2 p.m. 4A. West Orange Regional at West Orange High School GM1: Passaic Valley Hornets vs. Hall Ball (Seton Hall Prep), 2 p.m. GM2: West Orange vs. Belleville, 7 p.m. 4B. Montclair Regional at Nishuane Park, Montclair GM1: Kushner (Kushner Academy) vs. Mounties-Errico Baseball Club (Montclair), 11 a.m. GM2: Bengals (Bloomfield) vs. MKA (Montclair-Kimberley Academy) @ Wright’s Field Bloomfield , 4 p.m. 5A. Paramus Regional at Recreation Field, Paramus GM1: Ridgewood vs. Hackensack, 5 p.m. GM2: Paramus Spartans vs. River Dell Hawks, 8 p.m. 5B. Bergen/Passaic Regional at Kane Field, Secaucus & Lincoln Park, JC GM1: Fair Lawn vs. Wayne Hills PAL, 1 p.m. GM2: Wayne Valley PAL vs. Gladiators (DePaul), @ LIncoln Park Jersey City 3:00 p.m. 6A. Jersey City Caven Regional at Caven Point, Jersey City GM1: Jersey City Bulldogs (Ferris) vs. Union City Recreation, 10 a.m. GM2: Jersey City Rams (Dickinson) vs. Maroon and Silver (St. Peter’s Prep), 5 p.m. 6B. Jersey City Lincoln Regional at Lincoln Park, Jersey City GM1: West New York Recreation (Memorial) vs. Bees Baseball (Bayonne), 10 a.m. GM2: HC Hawks (Hudson Catholic) vs. Newark Marauders (Newark East Side), 1 p.m. 7. Whitehouse Station Regional at Brown Field, Whitehouse Station GM1: Hunterdon County Devils (Hunterdon Central) vs. Phillipsburg, 10 a.m. GM2: Glenn Gardner Vikings (Voorhees) vs. Lions Baseball (North Hunterdon), 2:30 p.m. 8. Bridgewater Regional at Prince Rogers Field, Bridgewater GM1: Branchburg Bulldogs (Somerville) vs. BR Panthers (Bridgewater-Raritan), 12 p.m. GM2: Bernards vs. Spartans (Immaculata), 3 p.m. 9A. Upper Morris Regional at Sussex Miners Stadium GM1: Jefferson vs. Randolph Rams, 10 a.m. GM2: Roxbury Gaels vs. Rockaway Knights (Morris Hills), 1 p.m. 9B. Sussex Regional at Sussex Miners Stadium GM1: Sussex White (Newton, Hopatcong, North Warren) vs. Vernon Vikings, 4 p.m. GM2: Sussex Blue (Sussex Tech, Sparta, Belvidere, Kittatinny) vs. Sussex Red (High Point, Wallkill), 7 p.m. 10A. Livingston Regional at Okner Park, Livingston GM1: Livingston Lancers vs. Park East Baseball (Hanover Park), 4:30 p.m. GM2: SOM Patriots (Columbia) vs. Millburn Millers, 7:30 p.m. 10B. Caldwell Regional at The Oval, Caldwell GM1: Caldwell Chiefs vs. Glen Ridge, 10 a.m. GM2: West Essex vs. Cedar Grove Panthers, 2 p.m. 11A. Piscataway Regional at Columbus Park, Piscataway GM1: Piscataway vs. Ridge, 5 p.m. GM2: Diamond Warriors (Watchung Hills) vs. Somerset Warriors (Franklin), 7:30 p.m. 11B. TD Bank Park Regional at TD Bank Ballpark, Bridgewater GM1: Hillsborough vs. RP Argonaut Baseball (Rutgers Prep), 10 a.m. GM2: GSB Knights (Gill St. Bernard’s) vs. River Dogs (Pingry), 1 p.m. 12. Lodi Regional at Lodi GM1: Elmwood Park vs. Rutherford, 1 p.m. GM2: Nutley vs. Lodi, 5 p.m. 13A. Cranford Regional at Memorial Field, Cranford GM1: Union County Vikings (Union Catholic) vs. Essex County Co-Op (Newark Central), 2 p.m. GM2: Cranford Cougars vs. Linden, 5 p.m. 13B. Union Regional at Teener Field, Union GM1: Union vs. Bears Baseball (David Brearley), 4 p.m. GM2: Minutemen Baseball (Elizabeth) vs. RP Panthers (Roselle Park), 7 p.m. 14A. Becton Regional at Becton GM1: Lyndhurst vs. Hasbrouck Heights Aviators, 2 p.m. GM2: Gaels Baseball (St. Mary of Rutherford) vs. Wildcats (Becton), 5 p.m. 14B. Wood-Ridge Regional at Wood-Ridge GM1: Midland Park Rangers vs. Scarlett Bucs (Bogota), 4 p.m. GM2: Wood-Ridge Devils vs. North Arlington, 7 p.m. 15A. Flanders Regional at Flanders GM1: Minutemen (Mendham) vs. Long Valley Highlanders (West Morris), 4 p.m. GM2: H-Town Baseball (Hackettstown) vs. MOBSA (Mount Olive), 7 p.m. 15B. Eastern Morris Regional at Bloomingdale, Walter T. Bergen & DeLazier Field GM1: Northern Valley Demarest vs. Butler, DeLazier Field 3 p.m. GM2: Pequannock Panthers vs. North Jersey Colts (Kinnelon), 6:30 p.m. 16A. Berkeley Heights Regional at Snyder Park, Berkeley Heights GM1: Summit Sugar Bears (Summit) vs. New Providence PAL (New Providence), 3:30 p.m. GM2: BH/Mountainside White Sox (Governor Livingston) vs. OP Rams (Oratory Prep), 7 p.m. 16B. Western Union County Regional at Snyder Park, Berkeley Heights and Teener Field, Union GM1: Blue Devils (Westfield) vs. Bird Ball (Co-Op) at Snyder Park, noon GM2: SPF Raiders (Scotch Plains-Fanwood) vs. Dawgs Baseball (Dayton) at Teener Field, 1 p.m. July 15 Day 2 SOUTH REGION 1A. Brick Regional at Brick American Baseball League GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 4 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 7 p.m. 1B. Tri-County Regional at FirstEnergy Park GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 3 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 7 p.m. 2A. Lincroft Regional at Christian Brothers Academy GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 3 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 5:30 p.m. 2B. Freehold Regional at Hockhockson Park GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, TBA GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, TBA 3A. Pitman Regional at Alycon Field, Pitman GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 4 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 7 p.m. 3B. Pitman Regional at Glassboro GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 3 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 5:30 p.m. 4. Ocean City Regional at Ocean City High School GM4: Millville Lightning (Millville) vs. Atlantic County Redhawks (Atlantic Tech), 1 p.m. GM5: BPC Spartans (Holy Spirit) vs. Triple Crown Sports (Egg Harbor Township), 4 p.m. GM6: Mainland vs. Ocean City Raiders, 7 p.m. 5A. Metuchen Regional at St. Joseph’s, Metuchen GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 5:30 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 3 p.m. 5B. Edison Regional at Edison High School GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 11 a.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 2 p.m. 6A. Red Bank Regional at Count Basie Field, Red Bank GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 4:30 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 7 p.m. 6B. Belmar Regional at St. Rose, Belmar GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 2 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 5 p.m. 7. Lawrenceville Regional at Trenton Babe Ruth Field GM3: East Windsor Rams (Hightstown) vs. Notre Dame, 10 a.m. GM4: Cardinals Baseball (Lawrence) vs. PC Tigers (Princeton), 1 p.m. 8A. Barnegat Regional at Barnegat High School GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 10 a.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 1 p.m. 8B. Bayville Regional at Leiter Field, Bayville GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 5 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 8 p.m. 9A. Washington Regional at Washington Lake Field GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 10 a.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 1 p.m. 9B. Delran Regional at Holy Cross High School GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 10 a.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 2 p.m. 10A. Bordentown Regional at Gilder Field and Arm & Hammer GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2 at Arm & Hammer, 6:05 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2 at Gilder Field, 5 p.m. 10B. Trenton Regional at Trenton Babe Ruth GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 4 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 7 p.m. 11. Kingsway Regional at East Greenwich Fields GM3: Pennsville vs. Dragons Baseball (Kingsway), 10 a.m. GM4: Harrison Heat (Clearview) vs. Salem Rams, 1 p.m. 12. Brooklawn Regional at Gloucester Catholic GM3: Lions Baseball (Gloucester City) vs. Eagle Nation (West Deptford), noon GM4: SJ Spartans (Deptford) vs. Brooklawn (Gloucester Catholic), 3 p.m. 13. Williamstown Regional at Williamstown High School GM3: EHC Pirates (Cedar Creek) vs. Chargers (Timber Creek), 4 p.m. GM4: Buena Township Chiefs vs. Williamstown, 7 p.m. 14A. Bellmawr Regional at Bellmawr Recreation Field 1 GM3: Medford Renegades (Shawnee) vs. Marlton Chiefs (Cherokee), noon GM4: Overbrook Rams vs. Eagles (Paul VI), 3 p.m. 14B. Burlington Regional at Doane Academy GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 10 a.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 4 p.m. 15A. Wall Township Regional at North Wall Little League GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 10 a.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 1 p.m. 15B. Ocean Township Regional at Ocean Township GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 1:30 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 5 p.m. 16A. North Brunswick Regional at Community Park, North Brunswick GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 5:45 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 8:15 p.m.. 16B. North Brunswick Regional at Community Park, North Brunswick GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 5:45 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 8:15 p.m. NORTH REGION 1A. Ramsey Regional at Don Bosco Prep GM3: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 3:30 p.m. GM4: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 7 p.m. 1B. Lakeland Regional at Bloomingdale Delazier GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, noon GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 3 p.m. 2A. Bergen County Regional at Overpeck Park, Leonia GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 11 a.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 2 p.m. 2B. Bergen County Regional at Kane Field, Secaucus GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 4 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 7 p.m. 3A. Morris Township Regional at Fleury Field, Morris Township GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 11 a.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 2 p.m. 3B. Parsippany Regional at Jannarone Park, Parsippany GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 11 a.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 2 p.m. 4A. West Orange Regional at West Orange High School GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 2 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 7 p.m. 4B. Montclair Regional at Nishuane Park, Montclair GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 11 a.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 3 p.m. 5A. Paramus Regional at Recreation Field, Paramus GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 5 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 8 p.m. 5B. Bergen/Passaic Regional at Kane Field, Secaucus GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 10 a.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 1 p.m. 6A. Jersey City Caven Regional at Caven Point, Jersey City GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 10 a.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 1 p.m. 6B. Jersey City Lincoln Regional at Lincoln Park, Jersey City GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 10 a.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 1 p.m. 7. Whitehouse Station Regional at Brown Field, Whitehouse Station GM3: Hunterdon County Devils (Hunterdon Central) vs. Glenn Gardner Vikings (Voorhees), 10 a.m. GM4: Phillipsburg vs. Lions Baseball (North Hunterdon), 2:30 p.m. 8. Bridgewater Regional at Prince Rogers Field, Bridgewater GM3: Branchburg Bulldogs (Somerville) vs. Bernards, 10 a.m. GM4: BR Panthers (Bridgewater-Raritan) vs. Spartans (Immaculata) 1 p.m. 9A. Upper Morris Regional at Sussex Miners Stadium GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 10 a.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 1 p.m. 9B. Sussex Regional at Sussex Miners Stadium GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 4 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 7 p.m. 10A. Livingston Regional at Okner Park, Livingston GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 4:30 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 7:30 p.m. 10B. Caldwell Regional at The Oval, Caldwell GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 10 a.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 2 p.m. 11A. Piscataway Regional at Columbus Park, Piscataway GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 5 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 7:30 p.m. 11B. TD Bank Park Regional at TD Bank Ballpark, Bridgewater GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 10 a.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 1 p.m. 12. Lodi Regional at Lodi GM3: Nutley vs. Elmwood Park, 2 p.m. GM4: Rutherford vs. Lodi, 5 p.m. 13A. Cranford Regional at Memorial Field, Cranford GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 2p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 5 p.m. 13B. Union Regional at Teener Field, Union GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 4 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 7 p.m. 14A. Becton Regional at Becton GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 2 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 5 p.m. 14B. Wood-Ridge Regional at Wood-Ridge GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 4 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 7 p.m. 15A. Flanders Regional at Flanders GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 4 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 7 p.m. 15B. Eastern Morris Regional at Bloomingdale, Walter T. Bergen GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 3 p.m. GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 6:30 p.m. 16A. Berkeley Heights Regional at Snyder Park, Berkeley Heights GM3: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2, 3 p.m. GM4: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2, 6:30 p.m. 16B. Western Union County Regional at Snyder Park, Berkeley Heights and Teener Field, Union GM3: Winner GM1 vs. Winner GM2 at Snyder Park, noon GM4: Loser GM1 vs. Loser GM2 at Teener Field Union, 1 p.m. July 16 Day 3 SOUTH REGION In eight-team regions after Day 2 of the tournament, every bracket will be seeded 1 through 4. The 2 through 4 seeds will crossover for Day 3 games. The 1 seeds will crossover with the winner determining a champion in each region that will advance to the single-elimination Sweet 16 round. In regions where pool play determines advancement, the teams with the best record (tiebreaker is fewest runs allowed) will advance to the single-elimination Sweet 16 round. 1A. Brick Regional at Brick American Baseball League #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), 4 p.m. #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), 7 p.m. 1B. Tri-County Regional at FirstEnergy Park #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 3 p.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 7 p.m. (Winner to Round of 16) 2A. Lincroft Regional at Christian Brothers Academy #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 3 p.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 5:30 p.m. (Winner to Round of 16) 2B. Freehold Regional at Hockhockson Park #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), TBA #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), TBA 3A. Pitman Regional at Alycon Field, Pitman #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 4 p.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 7 p.m. (Winner to Round of 16) 3B. Pitman Regional at Glassboro #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), 3 p.m. #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), 5:30 p.m. 4. Ocean City Regional at Ocean City High School GM7: Triple Crown Sports (Egg Harbor Township) vs. Millville Lightning (Millville), 1 p.m. GM8: Atlantic County Redhawks (Atlantic Tech) vs. Mainland, 4 p.m. GM9: Ocean City Raiders vs. BPC Spartans (Holy Spirit), 7 p.m. 5A. Metuchen Regional at St. Joseph’s, Metuchen #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 3 p.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 5:30 p.m. (Winner to Round of 16) 5B. Edison Regional at Edison High School #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), 11 a.m. #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), 2 p.m. 6A. Red Bank Regional at Count Basie Field, Red Bank #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 4:30 p.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 7 p.m. (Winner to Round of 16) 6B. Belmar Regional at St. Rose, Belmar #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), 2 p.m. #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), 5 p.m. 7. Lawrenceville Regional at Trenton Babe Ruth Field GM5: PC Tigers (Princeton) vs. East Windsor Rams (Hightstown), 10 a.m. GM6: Cardinals Baseball (Lawrence) vs. Notre Dame, 1 p.m. 8A. Barnegat Regional at Barnegat High School #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), 10 a.m. #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), 1 p.m. 8B. Bayville Regional at Leiter Field, Bayville #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 5 p.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 8 p.m. (Winner to Round of 16) 9A. Washington Regional at Washington Lake Field #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 10 a.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 1 p.m. (Winner to Round of 16) 9B. Delran Regional at Holy Cross High School #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), 10 a.m. #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), 2 p.m. 10A. Bordentown Regional at Gilder Field #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), 11 a.m. #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), 2 p.m. #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 5 p.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B) at Arm & Hammer, 6:05 p.m. (Winner to Round of 16) 11. Kingsway Regional at East Greenwich Fields GM5: Harrison Heat (Clearview) vs. Dragons Baseball (Kingsway), 10 a.m. GM6: Pennsville vs. Salem Rams, 1 p.m. 12. Brooklawn Regional at Gloucester Catholic GM5: SJ Spartans (Deptford) vs. Lions Baseball (Gloucester City), noon GM6: Eagle Nation (West Deptford) Brooklawn (Gloucester Catholic), 3pm 13. Williamstown Regional at Williamstown High School GM 5: EHC Pirates (Cedar Creek) vs. Williamstown, 4 p.m. GM 6: Buena Township Chiefs vs. Chargers (Timber Creek), 7 p.m. 14A. Bellmawr Regional at Bellmawr Recreation Field 1 #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), noon #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 3 p.m. (Winner advances to Round of 16) 14B. Burlington Regional at Doane Academy #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), 10 a.m. #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), 4 p.m. 15A. Wall Township Regional at North Wall Little League #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 10 a.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 1 p.m. (Winner advances to Round of 16) 15B. Ocean Township Regional at Ocean Township #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), 1:30 p.m. #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), 5 p.m. 16A. North Brunswick Regional at Community Park, North Brunswick #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), 5:45 p.m. #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), 8:15 p.m. 16B. North Brunswick Regional at Community Park, North Brunswick #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 5:45 p.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 8:15 p.m. (Winner advances to Round of 16) NORTH REGION In eight-team regions after Day 2 of the tournament, every bracket will be seeded 1 through 4. The 2 through 4 seeds will crossover for Day 3 games. The 1 seeds will crossover with the winner determining a champion in each region that will advance to the single-elimination Sweet 16 round. In regions where pool play determines advancement, the teams with the best record (tiebreaker is fewest runs allowed) will advance to the single-elimination Sweet 16 round. 1A. Ramsey Regional at Don Bosco Prep #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 3:30 p.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 7:00 p.m. (Winner advances to Round of 16) 1B. Lakeland Regional at Bloomingdale DeLazier Field #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), noon #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), 3 p.m. 2A. Bergen County Regional at Overpeck Park, Leonia #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 11 a.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 2 p.m. (Winner advances to Round of 16) 2B. Bergen County Regional at Kane Field, Secaucus #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), 4 p.m. #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), 7 p.m. 3A. Morris Township Regional at Fleury Field, Morris Township #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 11 a.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 2 p.m. (Winner advances to Round of 16) 3B. Parsippany Regional at Jannarone Park, Parsippany #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), 11 a.m. #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), 2 p.m. 4A. West Orange Regional at West Orange High School #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 2 p.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 7 p.m. (Winner advances to Round of 16) 4B. Montclair Regional at Nishuane Park, Montclair #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), 11 a.m. #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), 3 p.m. 5A.Paramus Regional at Recreation Field, Paramus #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 5 p.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 8 p.m. (Winner advances to Round of 16) 5B. Bergen/Passaic Regional at Kane Field, Secaucus #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), 10 a.m. #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), 1 p.m. 6A. Jersey City Caven Regional at Caven Point, Jersey City #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 10 a.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 1 p.m. (Winner advances to Round of 16) 6B. Jersey City Lincoln Regional at Lincoln Park, Jersey City #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), 10 a.m. #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), 1 p.m. 7. Whitehouse Station Regional at Brown Field, Whitehouse Station GM5: Glenn Gardner Vikings (Voorhees) vs. Phillipsburg, 10 a.m. GM6: Hunterdon County Devils (Hunterdon Central) vs. Lions Baseball (North Hunterdon), 2:30 p.m. 8. Bridgewater Regional at Prince Rogers Field, Bridgewater GM5: BR Panthers vs. Bernards, 10 a.m. GM6: Spartans (Immaculata) vs. Branchburg, 1 p.m. 9A. Upper Morris Regional at Sussex Miners Stadium #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), 10 a.m. #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), 1 p.m. 9B. Sussex Regional at Sussex Miners Stadium #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 4 p.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 7 p.m. (Winner Advances to Sweet 16) 10A. Livingston Regional at Okner Park, Livingston #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 4:30 p.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 7:30 p.m. (Winner Advances to Sweet 16) 10B. Caldwell Regional at The Oval, Caldwell #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), 10 a.m. #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), 2 p.m. 11A. Piscataway Regional at Columbus Park, Piscataway #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), 5 p.m. #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), 7:30 p.m. 11B. TD Bank Park Regional at TD Bank Ballpark, Bridgewater #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 10 a.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 1 p.m. (Winner Advances to Sweet 16) 12. Lodi Regional at Lodi GM5: Lodi vs. Elmwood Park, 2 p.m. GM6: Rutherford vs. Nutley , 5 p.m. 13A. Cranford Regional at Memorial Field, Cranford #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 2 p.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 5 p.m. (Winner Advances to Sweet 16) 13B.Union Regional at Teener Field, Union #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), 4 p.m. #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), 7 p.m. 14A. Becton Regional at Becton #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), 2 p.m. #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), 5 p.m. 14B. Wood-Ridge Regional at Wood-Ridge #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 4 p.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 7 p.m. (Winner Advances to Sweet 16) 15A. Flanders Regional at Flanders #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 4 p.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 7 p.m. (Winner Advances to Sweet 16) 15B. Eastern Morris Regional at Bloomingdale, Walter T. Bergen #3 Seed Crossover (A&B), 3 p.m. #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), 6:30 p.m. 16A. Berkeley Heights Regional at Snyder Park, Berkeley Heights #2 Seed Crossover (A&B), 3 p.m. #1 Seed Crossover (A&B), 6:30 p.m. (Winner Advances to Sweet 16) 16B. Western Union County Regional at Snyder Park, Berkeley Heights and Teener Field, Union #3 Seed Crossover (A&B) at Snyder Park, noon #4 Seed Crossover (A&B), at Teener Field, 1 p.m.
It’s Selection Saturday! Watch JSZ’s Last Dance Baseball Tournament Selection Show
Jersey Sports Zone reveals the brackets for the Last Dance Baseball Tournament. We’ve got all the matchups as 222 teams try to be the last team standing in Trenton on July 30. In case you missed our live show, check out all the brackets plus interviews with players and coaches around the state. The spring sports season was taken away from New Jersey high school athletes but thanks to an extraordinary effort by the New Jersey high school baseball community, sports is coming back and Garden State diamond squads get an incredible summer tournament for One Last Dance. JSZ presents the Last Dance Baseball Tournament Selection Show. Just like the NCAA Baseball Tournament, we have all the brackets, matchups and interviews with coaches and players from around the state. Click on the video below to watch the reveal of the 222 teams that will play in 32 different regions. Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of the Last Dance Baseball Tournament is made possible by Sterling National Bank. We will have coverage of all nine days of the Tournament starting on July 14 with pool play around the state About the Last Dance Tournament 222 teams, 32 regions. Every team is guaranteed three games in modified pool play. Regions with four teams will play round robin with the best record advancing to the 32-team single elimination tournament that begins in week two. Eight team regions will have modified pool play in the first two days. Teams with 2-0 records will meet up on the final day to determine the region winner. While all the teams are varsity baseball players, the tournament is not associated with the NJSIAA and school uniforms will not be worn. A lot of teams were not allowed to use their school name or nickname which is why you’ll see a lot of different names in the brackets. Last Dance Tournament NORTH BRACKETS SOUTH BRACKETS
JSZ to Present Last Dance Selection Show on SATURDAY
UPDATE – Tournament organizers are close to completing the field for the Last Dance Baseball Tournament and asked JSZ to move their Selection Show from Tuesday to Saturday at 12 noon. We’ll have a full breakdown of the matchups and interviews from players and coaches around the state! The high school baseball season was lost, but there’s one last dance in store for New Jersey teams. The Last Dance Tournament is set to begin in about a month, with well over 200 teams taking part from all over the state. The tournament will feature a round-robin format in the opening round, with single-elimination games to follow. North Jersey and South Jersey champions will eventually be crowned, before an overall state championship will be up for grabs. Jersey Sports Zone will present an exclusive Last Dance Selection Show on Saturday. Teams, brackets and locations will be revealed during the show. JSZ will also have interviews with tournament organizers, players and coaches. Just like the NCAA Baseball Tournament, the JSZ Last Dance Selection Show will reveal where teams will play across the state this Saturday at 12 noon on all of our social media platforms. Here’s a taste of what’s to come: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of the Last Dance Tournament is proudly brought to you by Sterling National Bank.
Ocean City’s Jake McKenna Signs with Phillies
It was a call Jake McKenna had been dreaming about for his entire life. The Ocean City senior picked up the phone on Sunday morning, and agreed to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies. McKenna is a 6-foot-7, 230-pound left-handed pitcher, who finished with 18 strikeouts in 8+ innings of work as a junior in 2019. McKenna was poised for a big senior season, but never got to take the mound because of the coronavirus pandemic. He was slated to pitch at St. Joseph’s University next year, but instead signed with the Phils for the free-agent maximum of $20,000. We caught up with McKenna to get his thoughts on a whirlwind and unforgettable day: Photo courtesy: Andrew Bristol.
Steinert’s C.J. Pittaro – Vanderbilt baseball commit
C.J. Pittaro has shined as one of Mercer County’s must-see players during his three years of varsity play for Steinert. The utility infielder ends his high school career with 47 RBI’s, 26 hits, 45 runs scored and 12 stolen bases, with seven coming in 2019. Pittaro will continue his baseball career at Vanderbilt University. Watch his junior season highlights below: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring our Steinert coverage.
Baseball’s Back? Last Dance Tournament Hopes to Play in July
St. Joe’s Metuchen baseball coach Mike Murray, Jr. has led the New Jersey high school baseball community with a proposed NCAA baseball style tournament in July that will give varsity baseball teams a chance to play a meaningful tournament The coronavirus dashed the spring sports season across New Jersey, but the Garden State’s high school baseball community has rallied to give the 2020 diamond teams a chance to play for something meaningful as restrictions are slowly being lifted to return to sports this summer. St. Joe-Metuchen baseball coach Mike Murray, Jr. is leading the way to a “Last Dance” Tournament. The NCAA Baseball style tournament would feature four-team “pods” allowing round robin play throughout the state. Winners of the first round would then go on to single elimination play throughout July. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis talked with the Falcons head coach about the progress of this event: The tournament is open to any New Jersey high school baseball varsity team. The deadline for teams to enter is June 12. Click on this LINK for coaches to enter their team into the Last Dance Tournament Proposed Dates for Last Dance Tournament July 7-9: Pool Play (three games for every team in four team “pod” July 14-16: Round of 16 and Quarterfinals July 21-22: Semifinals July 23: Championship Game The Tournament would not be an official NJSIAA event but sanctioned by the United States Specialty Sport Association. The NJSIAA does not allow teams to wear school-issued uniforms during summer play and would need to allow coaches to interact with players in July. There are 90 teams that have already expressed interest in playing and Jersey Sports Zone will keep you updated as the tournament continues to come together.
Allentown’s Justin Marcario fights back against cancer
Justin Marcario missed last baseball season after he was diagnosed with Leukemia. The Junior looked forward to getting back on the diamond, however due to the Covid-19 pandemic it will be a two year wait before Marcario puts on an Allentown uniform again. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez speaks with Justin, his mother and Coach Brian Nice on how he is remaining optimistic during this unfortunate circumstance: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring our Allentown coverage.
JSZ Spring Senior Spotlight: Cedar Creek’s Luke Vaks
Coronavirus has brought the world to a screeching halt at the moment, and that includes high school sports in the Garden State. JSZ is spotlighting prominent senior athletes who are waiting and hoping to take the field again this spring. Our mission is to tell their stories, and share how they’re trying to stay ready, both physically and mentally. Today’s JSZ Spring Senior Spotlight features Cedar Creek baseball standout Luke Vaks. JSZ’s Mike Frankel recently caught up with the Old Dominion University commit: JSZ Spring Senior Spotlight is brought to you in part by Cooper University Health Care.
JSZ Spring Senior Spotlight: Haddonfield’s Alex Kadar
Coronavirus has brought the world to a screeching halt at the moment, and that includes high school sports in the Garden State. JSZ is spotlighting prominent senior athletes who are waiting and hoping to take the field again this spring. Our mission is to tell their stories, and share how they’re trying to stay ready, both physically and mentally. Today’s JSZ Spring Senior Spotlight features Haddonfield baseball standout Alex Kadar. JSZ’s Mike Frankel recently caught up with Kadar: JSZ Spring Senior Spotlight is brought to you in part by NJM Insurance.
JSZ Spring Senior Spotlight: Michael Baginski & Nate Goranson
Coronavirus has brought the world to a screeching halt at the moment, and that includes high school sports in the Garden State. JSZ is spotlighting prominent senior athletes who are waiting and hoping to take the field again this spring. Our mission is to tell their stories, and share how they’re trying to stay ready, both physically and mentally. Today’s JSZ Spring Senior Spotlight features Millville baseball standouts Michael Baginski and Nate Goranson. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has their story: JSZ Spring Senior Spotlight is brought to you in part by NJM Insurance.
Allentown pitcher Matt Bethea set for Seton Hall in 2021
Allentown right hander Matt Bethea made quite the impression on college scouts during his sophomore year. Bethea racked up 26 strikeouts while allowing only four earned runs, 22 hits and 14 walks. The 6’2, 180 pound Seton Hall commit is one of the state’s top talents in the Class of 2021. JSZ was there for his 13 K performance vs. Holy Cross Prep: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring our Allentown coverage.
JSZ Spring Senior Spotlight: Ryan Lasko
Jackson Memorial baseball was projected to have one of their best years in program history prior to the start of the 2020 season. However, due to the Covid 19 Pandemic, Rutgers University commit Ryan Lasko is one of four Division I recruits on a team that now waits in limbo as the virus delays and threatens the likelihood of any play on the diamond. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez sits down with the Big Ten bound senior: Thank you to Louro Chiropractic Center for sponsoring our Jackson Memorial coverage.
Murphy Has High Hopes for Potential NJ Spring Sports Season
Weeks after New Jersey schools closed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, a decision from Gov. Phil Murphy (D) today brought hope to student-athletes in the Garden State for a potential spring sports season in 2020. Murphy announced Thursday afternoon at his daily press conference that all schools in New Jersey would stay closed until at least Friday, May 15. “We cannot be guided by emotion,” Murphy said. “We need to be guided by the facts on the ground — science and public health — take us. That means it will not be safe to reopen our schools, or start sports back up, for at least another four weeks.” That decision leaves the door open for student-athletes in New Jersey to play out a shortened season. Six days ago, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association laid out a contingency plan for a spring sports season with the potential for “modified state championships” played all the way up until June 30. “The return-to-school date and related public health guidelines will continue to determine the viability of a spring sports season,” the NJSIAA said after Murphy’s announcement. “As noted, NJSIAA is committed to doing whatever is possible to provide New Jersey’s student-athletes with some type of spring season. We have models in place that allow for competition starting as late as May 25, but given the late start date, tournament play may not be viable. Our commitment to conclude the spring season, no later than June 30 stands. As the governor noted, we remain hopeful.” Murphy initially ordered schools be closed on March 18 in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, the virus caused from this strain of coronavirus. As of April 16, New Jersey has confirmed 75,317 positive cases and 3,518 deaths from COVID-19. There are over 2 million confirmed cases worldwide. The winter sports season was affected by the coronavirus pandemic, as well. There was no group championship tournament or a Tournament of Champions in either boys or girls basketball this past season. “It’s hard, but if we all keep pulling and working together, I hope that it will put me in a position in a months time, to make a different announcement,” Murphy said. “There is no doubt we are saving lives and we must maintain the course.” Stay tuned with Jersey Sports Zone for all the latest updates on how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting high school athletics in New Jersey, as well as features and highlight reels on student-athletes.
JSZ Spring Senior Spotlight: Glassboro’s Noah Putney
Coronavirus has brought the world to a screeching halt at the moment, and that includes high school sports in the Garden State. JSZ is spotlighting prominent senior athletes who are waiting and hoping to take the field again this spring. Our mission is to tell their stories, and share how they’re trying to stay ready, both physically and mentally. Today’s JSZ Spring Senior Spotlight features Glassboro baseball standout Noah Putney. JSZ’s Mike Frankel recently spoke with the Caldwell University commit: JSZ Spring Senior Spotlight is brought to you in part by Cooper University Health Care.
NJSIAA Leaves Door Open on Spring Sports Season
It’s been nearly a month since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down life as we know it not only in New Jersey, but across the country, too. New Jersey high school sports has been put on the back burner in the past weeks as New Jerseyans battle to flatten the curve. The basketball season concluded prematurely without Group championships or a Tournament of Champions. The spring sports season was also indefinitely put on hold after Gov. Phil Murphy ordered all schools in-state to close. Today, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) published clear guidelines on “if, and when, a return to (spring) athletics is permitted.” “Along with our leagues and conferences, the NJSIAA has determined and communicated with member schools that if competitive events are possible, they will conclude no later than June 30,” the state athletic association said in a statement Friday. “Various models have been established based on potential return dates that range from mid-May to the end of that month, and leagues and conferences will be given substantial scheduling flexibility.” Here’s a breakdown of the NJSIAA’s plan: June 30 is the absolute latest date that the spring sports season will be extended to.Student-athletes in every sport, except for golf, must practice six days with one rest day. After the first three day, student-athletes can participate in scrimmages that will count as practice days.If athletics resume prior to May 25, the NJSIAA will run “modified sectional tournaments” in late June. Teams that do or don’t qualify for a sectional tournament can continue to play up until June 30.If athletics resume after Memorial Day, May 25, there will be no sectional tournaments. However, leagues and conferences will still be allowed to play games up until that June 30 cutoff date. The NJSIAA’s plan could potentially be moot. Gov. Phil Murphy has not given a concrete answer as to whether or not New Jersey schools will reopen this spring. Yesterday, Pennsylvania’s state athletic association cancelled the spring sports season in its entirety. “The return-to-school date and related public health guidelines will continue to determine the viability of a spring sports season,” the NJSIAA said. “As noted, the NJSIAA is committed to doing whatever is possible to provide New Jersey’s student-athletes with some type of spring season. Stay tuned with Jersey Sports Zone for any and all updates about a potential spring sports season, as well as features and highlight reels on some of the top athletes in the state.
JSZ Spring Senior Spotlight: St. Augustine’s Kenny Levari
Coronavirus has brought the world to a screeching halt at the moment, and that includes high school sports in the Garden State. JSZ is launching a series to spotlight prominent senior athletes who are waiting and hoping to take the field again this spring. The mission is to tell their stories, and share how they’re trying to stay ready, both physically and mentally. We lead off with St. Augustine baseball standout Kenny Levari. JSZ’s Mike Frankel recently spoke with the Old Dominion University commit: JSZ Spring Senior Spotlight is brought to you in part by Cooper University Health Care.
How NJ’s Leading Scorer Balances Religion and Basketball
Ally Landau is the most prolific scorer you haven’t heard of in New Jersey. Landau stars at Golda Och Academy — a Jewish day school not typically known for athletics — yet has shined over a four year career. Landau’s resume is as impressive you’ll find. 2,000 point scorer? Check. Average nearly a triple-double in her senior season? You bet. But the one thing missing? A championship trophy. Yet in the grand scheme of things, that happens to be just fine. Landau and her fellow Roadrunners have balanced playing the game they love with the religion that guides their lives. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story from West Orange:
Watch Friday 1.24 JSZ Basketball Highlights
Jersey Sports Zone once again spans the state to bring you three great games from the Friday night hardwood. Check out highlights of wins for Princeton, ACIT and Rumson-Fair Haven! Princeton 46 Nottingham 42 After dropping its last two games, Princeton (5-8) defeated Nottingham (10-5) 46-42. The Tigers were locked into a tight back-and-forth battle from the opening tip that eventually bled into the fourth quarter. Nottingham erased a 10-point deficit in the final minute, but Princeton hung on for the victory. Gefer Bar-Cohen and Tim Evidente both finished with 13 points on the night. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring both our Princeton and Nottingham coverage. ACIT 57 Cedar Creek 37 The Atlantic County Institute of Technology is putting together the best season in the short history of the school. The Red Hawks handled the Pirates in front of a big crowd in Mays Landing. Nurridin Abdul-Rahmann scored a game-high 18 points in the victory. Ja’Maine Davenport added 14 points, as ACIT improved to (8-5) overall. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from this Cape-Atlantic League clash: Rumson-Fair Haven 86 Monmouth Regional 70 Jack Carroll led four Bulldogs in double figures with 24 points and 11 rebounds as RFH makes it four straight wins to reach 9-3 on the season. Six different Rumson players made three-pointers in a 30 point first quarter. Hunter Reid had 20 and Geoff Schroeder added 17 in the victory. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the Shore Conference action from Tinton Falls: Jersey Sports Zone is excited to have ACI Medical & Dental School join our team and present our Central Jersey Game Balls all year long in addition to allowing us to bring great highlights and features to Rumson-Fair Haven and Middletown North. One of the top technical schools in NJ, Advantage Career Institute Medical & Dental School in Central New Jersey offers a variety of programs in the in-demand medical and dental industries. Visit ACI.org to learn more!
JSZ Year in Review: Top Baseball Games of 2019
Jersey Sports Zone is about capturing great video highlights. As we get ready to turn the page towards the 2019-20 school year, we take one more look back at the top games captured by our cameras. Our series continues with wrestling. A game so beautiful it’s played on a diamond. When it comes to baseball New Jersey has produced top tier talent at both the Division I and Pro level. 2019 kept that theme going. Big names, big plays and big at-bats filled your social media for weeks, here are our most viewed games from this past baseball season. 10. Bergen Catholic 10 DePaul 0 In this regular season matchup between Big North Conference rivals Bergen Catholic and DePaul Catholic, University of Michigan commit Jacob Denner pitched a 9 K shutout against the Spartans. 9. Delbarton Kinnelon 3 Morris County Tournament favorites Delbarton continued their hot streak with a close one run victory over Kinnelon. 8. Pope John 5 Delbarton 4 Not many can say they stared down the barrel of a gun and lived to tell the tale, but Nate Pallotta can relate. In the bottom of the seventh Pallotta knocked in a game-winning RBI to defeat No. 1 Delbarton 5-4 in walk-off fashion. 7. Delbarton 9 Red Bank Catholic 7 Jack Leiter and the Green Wave swept through the mid-season Autism Awareness Challenge. In Delbarton’s battle with Red Bank Catholic, Leiter had 10 strikeouts while Shawn Rapp added a 3-run home run. 6. Delbarton 2 Don Bosco 0 Delbarton no strangers to high pressure games. In the Non-Public A North Final, the Green Wave captured their third straight title with a 2-0 shutout against Don Bosco. 5. Bergen Catholic 6 Delbarton 2 Bergen Catholic’s Ryan Cancellieri pitched the game of his life against top ranked Delbarton in the regular season. Thanks to his 11 strikeouts and two earned runs the Crusaders were able to top the then No. 7 team in country 6-2! 4. Delbarton 2 West Morris 1 The Morris County Tournament Final came to a thrilling conclusion as Delbarton ace Jack Leiter propelled the Green with 14 strikeouts to another MCT Title. 3. Delbarton 7 Seton Hall Prep 5 Aside from having Major League caliber talent on the squad, Delbarton’s strength is in its depth chart. In the Non-Public A Semifinal Justin Kim knocked in the game-winning RBI against Seton Hall Prep for a 7-5 win. 2. Delbarton 4 St. Augustine Prep 3 These two are no strangers to each other, the last three Non-Public A State Finals have featured both St. Augustine Prep and Delbarton. Well Vanderbilt University commit Jack Leiter and New York Yankees signee Anthony Volpe ended their final high school games with one more piece of hardware. 1. Delbarton 7 Montville 1 Before the conclusion of the Morris County Tournament, Jack Leiter pushed Delbarton to the MCT Final for their eventual third straight title with 11 strikeouts against Montville.
South Jersey Pitchers Petty and Nunan Get Set for Area Code Underclass Games
Rising juniors Chase Petty and Matt Nunan play for rival schools, but the two pitchers will become teammates in August at the Area Code Underclass Games in California. The two train together at the Baseball Performance Center, which is also sending a pair of rising seniors to the Area Code Games. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the story from Pleasantville:
Phillies Recognize BurlCo for Winning Carpenter Cup Title
Before the Phillies squared off against Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers, the Phils honored Burlington County for winning last month’s Carpenter Cup Classic. Recent Rancocas Valley graduate Bryce Mangene took home some extra hardware, as Mangene was named Carpenter Cup Most Valuable Player. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the story from Citizen’s Bank Park:
Burlco Wins Phillies Carpenter Cup Title
Burlington County 4 Lehigh Valley 2 – Carpenter Cup Final Burlington County captured the Phillies Carpenter Cup Classic championship with a victory at Citizens Bank Park. It’s the franchise’s fourth title all-time and BurlCo’s first since 2012. Jedier Hernandez of Trenton Catholic broke a 2-2 tie with an RBI double in the bottom of the eighth inning. Shawnee’s Joey Moore, Pennsauken’s Robby Barrientos and Lenape’s Cade Hunter also drove in runs in the win. Kyle Kato of Bordentown pitched three scoreless innings, with Rancocas Valley’s Bryce Mangene once again closing things out. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction from South Philadelphia:
BurlCo Advances to Phillies Carpenter Cup Final
Burlington County 3 Philadelphia Catholic 2 – Carpenter Cup Semifinal Burlington County advanced to the Phillies Carpenter Cup Classic championship game with a semifinal win at Citizens Bank Park. Moorestown’s Brian McMonagle and Shawnee’s Jackson Balzan each threw three shutout innings. Jake Prince of Cherokee hit an RBI double which proved to be the difference. Bryce Mangene of Rancocas Valley earned the save. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction from South Philadelphia: